Locking device



w. H. lvl/:navman:

LOCKING DEVICE Sept. 24, 1935.

Filed Oct. 6, 1955 In Wwz; William H/Vaqyzz Patented sept. 24, 1935 UNITED STATES LOCKING DEVICE William H. Maynard, Winooski, Vt., assignor to Porter Screen Company, Winooski, Vt., a corporation of Vermont Application October 6, 1933, Serial No. 692,503

38 Claims.

My invention relates to extensible structures comprised of two or more sections in sliding face to face relation and more particularly to a novel and efficient locking device for such structures.

Adjustable window screens and ventilators of the type illustrated in the accompanying drawing are well known to persons skilled in the art. Such ventilators usually comprise two connected sliding sections which are arranged for relative movement so that the structure may be extended to t a given space or opening, such as a window ,opening when one sash is either raised or lowered, and when not in use the structure may be collapsed for storage. It is desirable to provide means for locking or securing such an extensible venti1ator or the like in extended position so that it will not intentionally or accidentally be collapsed and removed from its place. It is also desirable to provide means for locking an extensible structure against accidental or unintentional extension beyond a desired position. For example when such an extensible ventilator is completely collapsed in storage an accidental jarring or movement of it tends to cause extension thereof and it is desirable to provide a lock to prevent such undesired extension.

The principal object oi my invention is to provide a locking device for securing the sliding sections of an extensible structure against collapsible movementwhen in a desired position.

A further object of my invention is to provide a locking device for securing the sliding sections of an extensible structure against extensible movement when in a desired position.

Another object is to provide a locking device for securing the sliding sections of an extensible structure against both collapsible and extensible movement when in a desired position.

Further objects of my invention are to provide a locking device for an extensible ventilator or the like which is operable onlyr from the inside face of the ventilator, which is mainly situated between the juxtaposed, inside or abutting faces of the frame elements of the ventilator thus being substantially out of sight and having its working parts excepting the operating part or handle concealed and free from tampering, and which may be economically produced and assembled and which maybe readily applied to assembled ventilators, screens and the like which are now upon the market.

A further object is to provide a locking device for extensible structures.

Other objects relate to the construction and Y mode of operation and will be apparent from a Y 2, showing a locking device in unlocked position;

Fig. 4 is a section taken on the line 4 4 of Fig. l5 2, showing a locking device in locked position;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary section taken on the line 5--5 of Fig. 2, showing a locking device in locked position;

Fig. 6 is a composite perspective view of one 20 form of locking device and apivotal support;

Fig. '7 is a front elevation of the locking device shown in Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a. front elevation of an alternative form of locking device constructed in accordance 25 with the present invention;

Fig.v 9 is a front elevation of an alternative form of locking device constructed in accordance with the present invention; and

Fig. 10 is a side elevation of an alternative form 30 of locking device constructed in accordance with the present invention.

In the embodiment herein shown for the purpose of illustration the extensible structure is shown as a window screen I of a construction 35 well known to persons skilled in the art, comprising two ,relatively movable sections 2v and 3 in sliding face to face relation. The frame of each section is formed of two transverse frame elements 4/-4 and tw longitudinal frame elements 40 5-,5. The inner faces of the elements 5 are each provided with undercut longitudinal grooves 6.

The twov sections of the screen are slidably secured by means of a xture l which is comprised of a plate 8 to which is secured a projection or stud 9 having an enlarged head Ill adapted to slide freely in a groove 6. The xture may be provided with a prong l I. In assembled position the iixture l is situated in the groove B of one longitudinal frame element, the prong ll holding it securely against withdrawal longitudinally as shown in Fig. 2, and the head I0 is situated in the groove 6 of the corresponding longitudinal frame element. Ordinarily at least four fixtures are used, one in each free end of the longitudinal frame elements 5 and a screen thus assembled provides an efficient easily operable extensible structure.

The locking device, indicated generally by the numeral I2 is adapted to be mounted on the stud S for pivotal movement. This locking device comprises a relatively ilat elongate main body portion I3 provided with a pivot receiving aperture i6 near its base I5. The aperture I 4 may be constructed of suicient size to receive the head I t in assembling as shown in Fig. 9, although in my preferred form the aperture I4 is not necessarily large enough to receive the head IQ in assembling but I provide a longitudinal slot I6 which extends from the'lower end I5 either into or through the pivotreceiving aperture I, the width of the longitudinal slot at the base of the pivot receiving aperture being less than the diameter of the stud 9 to prevent removal of the stud from the aperture after assembly. This longitudinal slot permits the lock- .ing device to be pivotally mounted upon the stud 9 by sliding the locking device downwardly so that the aperture Irl receives the stud, the two parts of the main body portion ofthe locking device on either side of the longitudinal slot being momentarily sprung apart allowing the stud to pass into the pivot receiving aperture III. A locking device thus constructed may be aiixed after the screen has been entirely assembled by sliding the device downwardly between the inner faces of the longitudinal sections 5 and snapping it upon the stud 9 as described above.

Although in my preferred form the device is pivotally mounted upon the stud 9 a pivot 20 may be provided integral with the locking device (as shown in Fig. 10) and mounted for movement in a socket or recess located in either of the juxtaposed faces of the frame elements or upon the face of the fixture 1..

A handle or actuating lever II may be formed integral with the main body portion by bending a portion thereof outwardly. An offset locking part or cam I 8 may be formed by a bend in the main body portion. This locking part may project on the opposite side of the main body portion from the handle (as shown in Figs. 6 and l) or it may project upon the same side as the handle (as shown in Figs. 3,V 4 and 5) or offset locking parts may be .provided upon both sides of the body portion if desired. Ribs IB-IB may be provided for reinforcement of the main body portion.

When the screen and locking device are in assembled relation, the main body portion of the locking device extends between the inner faces of the longitudinal frame elements and the device is mounted for pivotal movement between the same, the locking part I3 extending into one of the grooves 5 of the frame elements. .The handle Il' is conveniently located for operation above and beyond the upper edge of the frame element 5.

When the locking device is in unlocked position as shown in position A in Fig. 2 the oiset locking part is disposed in one of the grooves 6 of the frame elements, and the two sections of the screen are free for relativek sliding movement. By movement of the handle in either clockwise or counterclockwise direction (for example to the position B in Fig. 2) the locking part i8 is swung out of the groove 5 and is wedged between the frame elements 5, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, and

the'head I is held in contact with the faces of the undercut groove 6 in which the head II) with a durable and an economical lock adapted to secure the sections of the structure against either collapsible or extensible movement when in a desired position.

It should be understood that the present disclosure is for the purpose of illustration only and that this invention includes all modications and equivalents which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

l. In an extensible structure comprising sections relatively movable for adjustment as to size, one of said sections having a groove, a locking device mounted for pivotal movement between the sections and having a locking part adapted to secure said sections against relative movement, said locking device being movable to an unlocked position wherein the locking part is slidably disposed in said groove.

2. In an extensible structure comprising sections relatively movable for adjustment as to size, a locking device extending between said sections and pivotally mounted for movement between said sections, said locking device having a locking part adapted to secure said sections against relative movement, said locking device Vbeing movable to an unlocked position wherein the locking part is disposed out of securing engagement with the sections permitting relative sliding movement thereof.

3. In an extensible structure comprising sliding sections, one of said sections having a groove, a locking device extending between said sections -and pivotally mounted on one of the sections,

said locking devicehaving an operating portion and a part slidably disposed in said groove, sad part being adapted to have locking engagement with one of said Sections upon actuation of said operating portion.

4. In an extensible structure comprising sliding sections, a locking device extending between said sections andpivotally mounted on one of the sections, said locking device having an operating portion and a part adapted to have locking engagement with one of said sections upon o actuation of said operating portion, said part in unlocked position being disposed out of locking engagement with the sections permitting relative sliding movement thereof.

5. In an extensible structure comprising sliding sections, a locking device extending between said sections and pivotally mounted on one of the sections, said locking device having an operating portion and a part adapted to have locking engagement with said sections upon actuation of said operating portion, said part in unlocked position being disposed out of locking engagement with the sections permitting relative sliding movement thereof.

6.4In an extensible structure comprising sliding sections, a locking device extending between -said sections and pivotally mounted on one of the sections, said locking device having an operating portion and parts adapted to have locking engagement with said sections upon actuation of said operating portion, said locking device being movable to an unlocked position wherein said parts are out of locking engagement Vwith the sections permitting relative sliding movement thereof.

'7. In an extensible structure comprising sliding sections having longitudinal frameelements, one of said frame elements having a groove in its inner face, and a stud secured tothe other of said frame elements, said stud extending into said groove and being adapted to slide therein and to secure said sections to each other for relatively sliding movement, a locking device comprising a relatively flat main body portion pivotally mounted on said stud and having lan offset locking part adapted to secure said sections against relative movement, said locking device being movable to an unlocked position wherein the locking part is slidably disposed in said groove.

8. In an extensible structure comprising sliding sections having longitudinal frame elements, one of said frame elements having a groove in its inner face, and a stud secured to the other of said frame elements, said stud extending into said groove and being adapted to slide therein and to secure said sections to each other for vrelatively sliding movement, a locking device comprising a relatively flat main body portion pivotally mounted on said stud and having an offset locking part adapted to secure said sections against relative movement, said locking device being movable to an unlocked position wherein the locking part is disposed out of securing engag-ement with the frame elements permitting sliding movement thereof.

9. In an `extensible ventilator or screen comprising sliding sections having longitudinal frame elements, one of said frame elements having an undercut groove in its inner face, and a stud secured to the other frame element, said stud extending into said undercut groove and having an enlarged head adapted to slide therein and to secure said sections toeach other for sliding movement, a locking device comprising a relatively flat main body portion pivotally mounted on said stud between said frame elements and having an oiset lockingA part adapted to be wedged between said frame elements upon rotation of said locking device, said locking device being rotatable to an unlocked position wherein the locking part is slidably disposed in said groove.

10. In an extensible ventilator, comprising l sliding sections having longitudinal frame elements, one of said frame elements having. an undercut groove in its inner face, the other frame element having a recess in its inner face and a stud secured to the latter frame element, said stud extending into said undercut groove and having an enlarged head adapted to slide therein and to secure said sections to each other for sliding movement, a locking device comprising a relatively at main body portion pivotally mounted on said'stud between said frame elements and having an offset locking part adapted to be wedged between said frame elements upon rotation of said locking device, said locking device being rotatable to an unlocked position wherein the locking part is disposed in said recess out of contact with the inner faces of said frameV elements permitting relative Vsliding movement thereof.

1l. In an extensible ventilator or screen comprising relatively movable sections in sliding face to face relation having longitudinal frame elements, one of said frame elements having an undercut groove in its inner face, and a stud secured to the other frame element, said stud extending into said undercut groove of the other r frame element and having a head adapted to slidetherein and to secure said sections to each other for sliding movement, a locking device comprising a flat main body portion pivotally mounted on said stud between said frame elements and having an offset locking part disposed in said groove when in unlocked position and adapted upon movement out of said groove by pivotal movement of said locking, device to cause separation of the inner faces of said frame elements, and to cause frictional contact between the head of said stud and a face of said undercut groove thereby securing said sections against relative movement.

12. In an extensible ventilator or screen comprising relatively movable sections in sliding face to face relation having longitudinal frame elements, one of said frame elements having an undercut groove in its inner face, and a stud secured to the other frame element, said stud extending into said undercut groove and havingr a head adapted to slide therein and to secure said sections to each other for sliding movement, a locking device comprising a flat main body portion having a pivot receiving. aperture near its base for pivotal mounting upon said stud, a longitudinal slot forming a passage from the base into said pivot receiving aperture and an offset locking part adapted upon movement of said locking device t0 locking position to secure said sections against relative movement,

13. A locking device adapted to be mounted for pivotal movement comprising a relatively at main body portion having a pivot receiving aperture and an Voffset locking part.

14. A locking device adapted to be mounted for pivotal movement comprising, a relatively flat main body portion, a handle, a pivot receiving aperture and a locking part oiset relative to said body portion.

15. A locking device adapted to be mounted for pivotal movement comprising a relatively flat main body portion, a handle extension at one end thereof, said main body portion having a pivot-receiving aperture and a longitudinal slot extending from the other end of said body portion into said pivot-receiving aperture and an offset locking part.

16. A metallic locking device adapted to be mounted for pivotal movement comprising an body portion having a pivot-receiving aperture near its base and a longitudinal slot extending from the base through said pivot-receiving aperture, an extension forming a handle, and a lock-` ing part offset from one face of said body portion.

17. A locking device adapted to be mounted for pivotal movement, comprising a relatively at main body portion having a pivot and an offset locking part.

18. In an extensible structure comprising sections relatively movable for adjustment as to size, a locking device extending between said sections and pivotally mounted for movement between said sections, said locking device comprising arrelatively flat main body portion and an 55V elongated relatively flat main body portion, said 19. In an extensible structure comprising sections relatively movable for adjustment as to size, a locking device extending between said sections and pivotally mounted for movement between said sections, said locking device comprising a relatively flat main body portion and an oilset locking part, said main body portion having a pivot-receiving aperture and a longitudinal slot extending from its base through said pivotreceiving aperture.

20. In an extensible structure comprising sections relatively movable for adjustment as to size, one of said sections having a recess, a locking device mounted for pivotal movement between the sections and having a locking part adapted to secure said sections against relative movement, said locking device being movable to an unlocked position wherein the locking part is disposed in said recess, said locking device having a relatively flat main body portion having a pivotreceiving aperture and a longitudinal slot extending from its base into said pivot-receiving aperture.

21. In an extensible structure comprising sections relatively rn-ovable for adjustment as to size, one of said sections having a recess, a locking device mounted for pivotal movement between the sections and having a locking part adapted to secure said sections against relative movement, said locking device being movable to an unlocked position wherein the locking part is disposedY in said recess, said locking device having a relatively iiat main body portion having a pivot-receiving aperture and a longitudinal slot extending from its base through said pivot-receiving aperture.

22. In an extensible screen comprising relatively movable sections in sliding face to face relation having longitudinal frame elements, one of said frame elements having an undercut groove in its inner face, the other frame element having a recess in its inner face, a stud secured to the latter frame element, said stud extending into said undercut groove in the former frame element and having a head adapted to slide therein and to secure said sections to each other for sliding movement, a locking device comprising a flat main body portion pivotally mounted on said Vstud between said frame elements and having an offset locking part disposed in said recess when in unlocked position and adapted upon movement out of said recess by pivotal movement of said locking device to cause separation of the inner faces of said frame elements and to cause frictional contact between the head or" said stud and a face of said undercut groove, thereby securing said sections against relative movement. l

23. A locking device adapted to be mounted for pivotal movement comprising a relatively flat main body portion, a handle, a pivot receiving aperture and a locking part offset across said body portion.

24. A metallic locking device adapted to be mounted for pivotal movement comprising an elongated relatively iiat main body portion, having a pivot receiving aperture near its base, a longitudinal slot extending from the base through said pivot receiving aperture, an extension forming a handle and a locking part oiset from' and across one face of said body portion.

25. A locking device comprising a relatively flat main body portion and a beveled offset locking part thereon, said device being adapted to be mounted for turning movement.

26. The combination in a structure comprising relatively movable sections, of a locking device extending between said sections and including an engaging portion, said locking device,

when in locking position, being adapted to enl gage one of said sectionsand being out of substantial frictional contact with said section when in non-locking position.

27. 'Ihe combination in a structure formed of relatively movable sections, one of the sections being provided with a groove, of a locking device extending between said sections and including an engaging portion, said device being movable to engaged and disengaged positions, said engaging portion being adapted to lie in the groove in said section when in disengaged position.

28. The combination in a structure including a pair of relatively slidable sections arranged opposite each other, of a locking device having an engaging portion positioned between said sections, said engaging portion being movable to locking and non-locking positions and being adapted to frictionally engage said sections when in locking position and to be out of substantial frictional engagement with said sections when in non-locking position.

29. The combination in a structure including a pair of relatively slidable sections arranged opposite each other, of a locking device having an engaging portion positioned between said sections for turning movement, said engaging portion being movable to locking, and non-locking positions and being adapted to frictionally engage said sections when in locking position and to be out of substantial frictional engagement with said sections when in non-locking position.

30. A locking device comprising a substantially at portion and an offset portion, said device being adapted to be mounted for turning movement.

40 31. A locking device comprising a substantially flat portion, an operating portion, and an offset portion, said device being adapted to be mounted for turning movement.

32. A locking device comprising a substantially flat portion, 'an operating portion and an offset portion, said device being apertured to adapt it to be mounted for turning movement.

33. A device of the character described comprising relatively slidable sections having faces opposed, one of said sections having a shouldered groove in the inner face thereof, the other of said sections having Va stud secured thereto extending into the groove, said stud having an enlarged head adapted to slide in the groove and to hold said sections together for relative movement, a locking device comprising a relatively at body portion mounted between said sections on said stud for turning movement and including an oiset locking portion positioned in the groove when in non-locking position and positioned out of the groove when in locking position to move apart the opposed faces of said sections and cause the head of said stud to engage one face of the shouldered groove to hold said sections against relative movement.

34. A device of the character described comprising relatively slidable sections having faces opposed, one of said sections being provided with a groove in the inner face thereof, the other of said sections having a stud secured thereto extending into the groove of the other section for slidable movement therein and to hold said fections together for relative movement, a locking device comprising a substantially iiat portion mounted on said stud for turning movement, said locking device including an offset locking portion adapted when in locking position to hold said sections against movement with respect to each other, and being movable to an unlocked position wherein it is slidable in said groove.

35. A device of the character described comprising relatively slidable sections having faces opposed, one of said sections having a shouldered groove in the inner face thereof, the other of said sections having a stud secured thereto extending into the groove, said stud having an enlarged head adapted to slide in the groove and to hold said sections together for relative movement, a locking device comprising a relatively flat body portion mounted between said sections on said stud for turning movement and including an oiset locking portion adapted when in one position to be wedged between said sections, and being movable to a non-locking position wherein the locking portion is out of engagement with the opposed faces of said sections and permits relative movement thereof.

36. A device of the character described comprising relatively slidable sections having faces 37. A device of the character described cornprising relatively slidable sections having faces opposed, one of said sections having a shouldered groove in the inner face thereof, the other of said sections having a stud secured thereto extending into said groove, said stud having an enlarged head adapted to slide in the groove and to hold said sections together for relative movement, a locking device comprising a relatively ilat body portion mounted between said sections on said stud for turning movement and including an offset locking portion adapted when in one position to be wedged between said sections and being movable to an unlocked position wherein the locking portion is slidable in said groove.

' 38. A locking device comprising a substantially at portion and a beveled oir-set portion, said device being adapted to be mounted for turning movement.

WILLIAM H. MAYNARD. 

